BACOOR CITY, Cavite (PIA) – Beyond a cultural and religious celebration of Cavite’s marching band roots, the Bakood Festival serves as a major showcase of the Bacoor’s economic potential for an international audience.
Celebrated to honor St. Michael the Archangel, the festival highlights its rich musical culture which has long earned acclaim from international stages.
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency, City Information and Community Relations Department (CICRD) chief Kristine Evangelista, underscored that the Bakood Festival creates a string of opportunities for various local sectors, particularly artists and small businesses.
“Ang festival ay hindi lamang cultural celebration, isa rin itong pagkakataon para suportahan ang livelihood at local entrepreneurship. Sa Bacoor, ang development at tradition ay hindi magkalaban, ang layunin natin ay patuloy na umunlad ang ating lungsod habang nananatiling buhay ang ating kultura.”
Bacoor’s marching bands have long been known across the Philippines and worldwide. Recently, the city was named host of the 2028 Asian Music Games. Beyond cementing the city’s title as the “Marching Band Capital of the Philippines”, the international competition is expected to draw global visitors and boost the local economy.
“Malaking bagay ang international exposure dahil napapakilala nito ang Bacoor bilang isang lungsod na may malakas na musical and cultural heritage. Kapag mas nakikilala ang ating kultura, mas nagkakaroon ng potential para sa cultural tourism at mas maraming visitors at economic activity para sa ating local businesses.”
Attracting competitors from parts of Cavite, Tagkawayan, Antipolo, and Metro Manila, the festival also provided a direct boost to local hospitality, lodging, and dining sectors.
Unlike other purely recreational festivities, the Bakood Festival integrates socio-economic activities within their programme. Alongside job fairs, pop-ups and marketplaces selling souvenirs and artisanal products, the city government also highlights itself as a prime investment location through its infrastructure, local transport networks, and dining facilities.
To maintain its relevance to an era dominated by streaming services, Bakood Festival is also livestreamed across their official social media platforms.
“Ginagamit din natin ng social media at digital platforms upang mas mapalawak ang audience nito. Kasabay nito, hinihikayat natin ang kabataan na matuto, sumali, at maging bahagi ng pagpapatuloy ng ating tradisyon.” (PB-PIA CALABARZON)
